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Castle Valley committee flags septic systems, geothermal fluids and mining as water-contamination concerns
Summary
Committee members reviewed draft plan language on potential contamination pathways (septic systems, agricultural runoff, geothermal ground-source heating fluids), recommended targeted monitoring and a public-information response protocol, and asked staff to add triggers and sampling guidance tied to the TMDL and recent monitoring.
Castle Valley hazard-planning committee members discussed multiple potential contamination sources to local groundwater and surface water, asked for clearer trigger points in the draft mitigation actions and recommended targeted monitoring and an emergency notification protocol for contamination events.
Committee members identified septic system density, agricultural runoff (including horse- and cattle-related coliforms), geothermal ground-source heating fluids (glycols and other heat-exchange chemicals) and potential mine-claim or abandoned-mine runoff as pathways that could introduce concentrated contaminants into the local aquifer or recreational waterways. Members said the TMDL (total maximum daily load) report and local recreational-use monitoring had already found elevated coliform issues tied to animals and septic sources in parts of the watershed.
The committee asked staff to add or refine: (1) a program of regular water-quality monitoring and sampling for selected wells as an early-warning system; (2) a clearer statement that any verified contamination "should trigger action by the town" and outline that initial actions could include public notices (boil-water advisories or do-not-drink messaging) and coordination with state and federal agencies; and (3) a short appendix or cross-reference to the TMDL report for sampling thresholds and likely contaminants.
Members discussed geothermal systems and noted at least one local property manager raised the issue of heat-exchanger chemicals that, if leaked, could pose a contamination risk; the committee asked staff to research whether modern ground-source systems in the area include leak-detection or secondary containment options and to add language as a noted potential pathway. The committee also asked that the draft remove a confusing line that suggested certain wellhead-grouting activities are "done by the state," and replace it with clearer language describing which authorities perform or certify wellhead work.
Regarding mining, members reported an active claim near Porcupine Ranch Road and asked staff to coordinate with BLM mining specialists to confirm permit and reclamation status; one BLM contact provided a preliminary note that a queried claim appears closed, but members said systematic monitoring for abandoned-mine risks would be prudent.
The committee emphasized education and notification: continue to educate residents, agricultural operators and livestock owners about contamination pathways and prevention, and prepare an emergency notification/response protocol that can be used to advise residents rapidly if sampling indicates public-health risk.
Ending: Staff was asked to draft updated plan language that includes sampling guidance, contamination triggers tied to the TMDL where applicable, clearer roles for state and local authorities, and a short emergency-notification protocol for water contamination events.
